Mexico hacking scandal will benefit Lopez Obrador

Subject

Institutional mistrust.

Significance

The New York Times on July 10 published claims that the Mexican government spied on international investigators from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), who were looking into the 2014 disappearance of 43 Ayotzinapa students in Iguala, Guerrero. The report builds on allegations reported on June 19, that local anti-corruption and human rights activists and journalists had been monitored using spyware sold only to governments for use against criminals or terrorists.

Impacts

• While Pena Nieto may not have been directly responsible, the latest allegations will further undermine his already weak authority.
• A potential investigation by the IACHR or expulsion from the OGP would further weaken the government's credibility.
• The SNA will not be fully functional before the current administration ends in 2018.